HKMA Warns of Fraudulent Websites Exploiting FPS Services

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public alert concerning fraudulent websites impersonating Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL). These sites exploit the Faster Payment System (FPS), a widely used real-time payment platform, to target individuals with fake refund schemes and identity verification scams.

HKICL identified two types of fraudulent websites. The first category includes domains such as fpshkicl[.]courses and fpshkicl[.]garden, which falsely claim to offer buyer protection services like refunds and unauthorized transaction reporting. The second, more sophisticated category includes hkrefundplatform[.]click, which tricks users into providing sensitive information, such as ID documents and bank account details, under the guise of real-name verification for cash rewards. These sites also redirect victims to WhatsApp chats with fraudsters posing as customer service representatives.

HKICL clarified that it does not directly provide FPS services to individuals or proactively contact the public. The legitimate websites for HKICL are hkicl.com.hk and fps.hkicl.com.hk. The agency urged individuals to verify suspicious communications through its official hotline (2533 1111) and to report potential fraud to the police immediately.

The warning comes amid a surge in online financial fraud in Hong Kong. According to police data, more than 16,500 scam cases were reported in the first five months of 2026, a 46% year-on-year increase. Fraud accounted for HK$720 million in attempted losses during this period, with online investment scams contributing disproportionately to financial harm. In 2025, online investment fraud represented just 11.9% of deception cases but accounted for 44.1% of total monetary losses, with an average loss per case of HK$700,000.

This rise in fraud underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminals, who frequently exploit legitimate platforms like FPS to lend credibility to their schemes. The HKMA and law enforcement agencies have intensified public education campaigns and cross-border enforcement efforts to combat the trend. Tools like the Scameter+ anti-scam platform have been deployed to help individuals assess the legitimacy of websites, messages, and platforms.

As FPS continues to facilitate seamless payment transfers across Hong Kong, the HKMA’s warning serves as a critical reminder for users to remain vigilant against increasingly complex scams. Protecting personal information and verifying the authenticity of communications are essential steps to avoid falling victim to fraud.

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